Clark Vilardebo
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — A potential new park project, which could draw Winthrop University and downtown Rock Hill closer together and address the city’s long-standing “town and gown” divide, is in jeopardy after the city lost a major transportation grant, due to budget cuts under the Trump administration.

The city’s Storyline Rock Hill project would create a linear, walkable park modeled after projects like New York City’s High Line and Atlanta’s BeltLine. The project, first announced two years ago, would run from Fountain Park to the Stewart Avenue entrance of Winthrop.

The project — which would feature historical markers, buildings and artwork, like the Old Cotton Factory or downtown murals — has created some excitement in the community.

“I’m really excited about the Storyline and the potential it creates to really embed Winthrop students into the Rock Hill community, so that they feel like they’re part of the community and living where they’re learning,” said Summersby Okey, a 2013 Winthrop graduate.

“I think it’s really helpful to have access to easily go straight into downtown and not have to worry about it, but also have more students go downtown than there currently are,” said Amy Sharpe, a Winthrop executive assistant.

Sharpe said the park could give students an easy, safe way to venture off campus, especially now that Rock Hill bus service is more limited on campus.

“We really want Winthrop students to put down roots. You know, we don’t want them taking their talent and going someplace else, so the more Rock Hill can do things to bring them into the community, I think the better,” said Sarah Simpson, the owner of Ramble on Records

The Winthrop entrance for the pathway was completed last fall and is currently being called the South Gateway.

However, the project could be stalled after Rock Hill lost more than $10 million in federal grants, due to funding cuts in President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill.

Rock Hill was one of numerous of cities across the country that was expecting to receive money through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program, which was intended to assist communities with transportation improvements.

The city planned to use the funds to construct a pedestrian bridge over Dave Lyle Boulevard and the adjacent railroad tracks, which was a major part of the Storyline project.

Regardless, city leaders recently told WBTV they are now looking for other funding sources for the project.